Inclusive Decision-Making in the Arts
In this new four-week evening course, you’ll learn how to design and put into practice effective ways of involving communities in decision-making.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Wednesday evenings, 23 Sep – 14 Oct 2026
- Course times:
- 6.30pm–8.30pm, BST (UTC+1)
- Age:
- 18+
- Art form:
- Skills for the Creative Industries
- Fees:
- £220
- Deadline:
- Bookings will close at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2026 or when the course reaches full capacity
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+)
- Mode of study:
- Online
- Venue:
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama
- When:
- Autumn Courses (September–November) | Online Short Courses | Evening Courses
Course info
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- View our terms and conditions
Ages 18+
Course Dates & Times
Wednesday evenings on 23, 30 September, 7, 14 October 2026,
6.30pm-8.30pm, BST (UTC+1)
About Inclusive Decision-Making in the Arts
Arts and cultural organisations are under growing pressure to be more inclusive, transparent and accountable, and to involve communities in meaningful ways. This course is designed to help you meet these challenges with confidence.
In this new four-week evening course, you’ll learn how to design and put into practice effective ways of involving communities in decision-making.
This course is unique in bridging creative practice, organisational strategy and ethical governance, providing practical templates and methods you can apply immediately to your own context.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for arts and culture sector professionals, including:
• Producers, programmers and cultural managers
• Artists working with communities or participatory frameworks
• Early-career practitioners developing organisational skills
• Leaders of small arts organisations or collectives
• Anyone involved in decision-making, governance or organisational culture
No prior governance experience is required - just curiosity and a willingness to rethink traditional models.
What can I expect?
Across four online sessions, you’ll explore the principles and practicalities of participatory governance through discussion, case studies and hands-on activities.
You will:
- Examine the shift from hierarchical to collaborative decision making
- Explore ideas and approaches from cultural democracy, community organising, and co-creation, using examples from across the cultural sector
- Learn practical tools and methods for sharing power , including assemblies, advisory groups and participatory budgeting
- Consider the role of ethics, inclusion, accessibility and sustainability in governance
- Gain the skills and confidence to involve communities in your work, make more inclusive and informed decisions, and strengthen your organisation for the future.
- Develop a tailored Governance Action Plan for your own organisation or practice
- Receive one-to-one feedback on your Governance Action Plan after the course.
You’ll also receive downloadable templates, a curated reading list, and access to session recordings for a limited time after the course ends.
Course Fee
£220
Book Now
- Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early
- Bookings close at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity
- View our terms and conditions
Eligibility
- We welcome participants from all ages 18 and over
- Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
Online Short Courses Requirements
All sessions will take place online using Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to you in advance of the course start date with further instructions.
To participate in online classes you will need the following:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A laptop/tablet/desktop computer with a microphone and camera (most have these included)
- Speakers/headphones (the speakers in your laptop/tablet/computer should be sufficient)
- A fully updated web browser able to use the most up to date version of Zoom, or a fully updated Zoom client
If you have any questions regarding joining one of our online courses please contact us
About the Course Tutor
The course is taught by Jo Chard and Iona McTaggart.
Jo Chard is an experienced cultural practitioner, researcher and facilitator, Jo specialises in participatory governance, collaborative arts practice and community-led cultural development. Their work spans higher education, policy development and creative sector innovation, with a focus on ethical leadership and horizontal decision-making in community contexts.
Iona McTaggart is a practitioner and facilitator with expertise in community arts, democratic participation and organisational change. She brings practical experience in designing inclusive structures, supporting early-career practitioners and implementing creative approaches to governance.
Together, Jo and Iona bring a blend of practical tools, sector insight and collaborative facilitation designed to support participants at all levels of experience.
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